M001 MODAL VERBS

Fill in the blanks with : CAN , CAN’T , COULD , COULDN’T , MUST or MUSTN’T

1. She is a small baby. She ______________ eat meat, but she ______________ drink milk.
2. He is so ill that he ______________ see the doctor.
3. It’s raining heavily. You ______________ take your own umbrella.
4. We ______________ pick the flowers in the park. It’s forbidden.
5. I ________________ sing now but I ______________ sing very well when I was a child.
6. Mike is only nine months old. He ______________ eat nuts yet.
7. He is very fat. He ______________ run so fast.
8. You are speaking very quickly. I ______________ understand you.
9. I’m very tall, so I ______________ play basketball.
10. You ______________ park that car there. It’s a no-parking zone.
11. Many students in Great Britain ______________ wear a uniform when they go to school.
12. George has travelled a lot . He ______________ speak 4 languages.
13. I ______________ come with you now because I’m studying for my test.
14. Footballers ______________ touch the ball with their hands.
15. ______________ I use your phone ?
16. I’m sorry I ______________ come yesterday. I had to work late.
17. You ______________ speed through the city. It’s dangerous !
18. My hands are dirty . I ______________ wash them.
19. You have been coughing a lot recently. You ______________ smoke so much.
20. I’m very tired today. I ______________ clean my room now, but I’ll do it tomorrow.
21. I ______________ eat lasagne when I was a child, but I like it today.
22. We______________ go to the bank today. We haven’t got any money left.
23. It’s late. I ______________ go now.
24. You ________________ sleep in that room. It’s full of boxes and other stuff.
25. I ________________ swim very far these days, but ten years ago, I ______________ swim
over to the other side of the lake.
26. You have a bad headache, so you ______________ go to bed earlier.
27. I am so strong I ______________ do 50 push-ups at any time.
28. I ______________ feed the baby now, so can you do it for me ?
29. Tourists ______________ take their passports when they go abroad.
30. ______________ you please pass me the salt. – Thank you.

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 M002 MODAL VERBS

Fill in the blanks with a modal form from the box !

CAN – CAN’T - COULD – COULDN’T - DIDN’T NEED TO - MUST –

MUSTN’T - NEEDN‘T

1. You’ve got plenty of time. You __________________ hurry.

2. There’s a knock at the door. I’m expecting Paul . It __________________ be him.
3. I can’t get my phone to work. It __________________ be out of order
4. __________________ I ask you a question ?
5. That was excellent work. But I __________________ do it without you.
6. She __________________ be 35. She looks older than that.
7. I __________________ go to work on Saturdays. It’s my day off.
8. Tom has given me a letter to post. I __________________ forget to post it.
9. Ann stayed in bed this morning because she __________________ go to work.
10. He __________________ play chess when he was young.
11. You __________________ drive a car when you’re 18.
12. Jack spends the whole day just walking around. He __________________ have a job.
13. When I was in school I __________________ do a hand stand, but now I’m too old. I
__________________ do one any more.
14. My mother keeps telling me that we __________________ wash our hands before we sit
down at the dinner table.
15. You __________________ forget to turn off the lights when you go to bed.
16. When I was a child I __________________ understand adults, now that I’m an adult I
__________________ understand children.
17. Sally looks sad and worried . She __________________ have a problem with something.
18. __________________ I see your passport please.
19. He’ sees very badly, so he __________________ wear glasses all the time.
20. I __________________ take a taxi because the bus was on time.
21. He owns a very expensive house. He __________________ be a rich person.
22. I __________________ swim well when I was a child. I even won the school
championships.
23. You __________________ go to the grocery store. We have some milk in the fridge.
24. I __________________ find my keys. I probably left them at my mother’s place.
25. You __________________ buy the tickets. I got two for free from dad.
26. She __________________ speak so rudely to her parents.
27. The teacher always tells us we __________________ cheat during a test.
28. I __________________ stop laughing. The joke was so funny.
29. I __________________ look at you. You’re so dirty. What were you up to ?
30. __________________ you turn down the volume ? – It’s too loud.

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 M003 MODAL VERBS

Complete each sentence B so that it has a similar meaning to sentence A. Use a modal verb from the
box and the correct form of the verb in brackets !

CAN’T - MAY - MIGHT NOT - MUST

1. A : I’m sure schools 50 years ago weren’t the same as they are nowadays (BE)
B : Schools 50 years ago ________________________ very different from nowadays.
2. A : It’s possible Josef went to school by bus . (TAKE)
B : Josef ___________________________ the bus to school.
3. A : I’m sure their holiday wasn’t very nice because the weather was so bad (HAVE).
B : With such terrible weather , they ___________________________ a very nice holiday.
4. A : I wonder if Jane remembers how to get here (FORGET).
B : Jane ____________________________ how to get here.
5. A : I’m sure Chloe isn’t still looking for her watch (FIND).
B : Chloe ______________________________ her watch by now.
6. A : We are going in the wrong direction (MISS).
B : Yes, we _______________________________ a turning.
7. A : Shakespeare and Voltaire weren’t alive at the same time, so they definitely never met
(KNOW).
B : Shakespeare and Voltaire weren’t alive at the same time , so they
_________________________ each other .
8. A : Alison looks happy about her exam results, so she’s certainly done well (DO)
B : Alison looks happy about her exam results, so she _____________________________
well.
9. A : I’m not sure its right to blame Ray for that mistake (MAKE).
B : Ray ______________________________ that mistake.
10. A : Joe can’t open the door . Maybe he can’t remember where he put the key (LOSE)
B : Joe can’t open the door. He _____________________________ the key.

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51-16[MODAL_VERBS]-m003-modal-verbs 1763
 M005 MODAL VERBS

Fill in the blanks using MUST, CAN’T, MAY, MIGHT, COULD, SHOULD, SHOULDN’T and the PAST
FORMS of them !
1. Sally looks worried . She ________________________ a problem with something (HAVE).
2. Bob ________________________ at school because I haven’t seen him all day (BE).
3. I ________________________ you the money. Why didn’t you ask me (LEND)
4. Mr Travis hasn’t come to work yet. He has never been late for work. He
________________________ the bus (MISS).
5. She knew everything about our plans. She ________________________ to our
conversation (LISTEN)
6. A: Will you come to my birthday party tomorrow afternoon ?
B : I’m sorry but I ________________________ because I have to look after my sister.
(COME)
7. Timmy is a very good boy. He isn’t naughty, so he ________________________ that
window. Somebody else ________________________ it (BREAK 2X)
8. The street is wet this morning . I’m not sure but it ________________________ last night
(RAIN).
9. She ________________________ like an angel when she was a child (SING)
10. A : I talked to your science teacher yesterday.
B : You ________________________ to her because she wasn’t at school yesterday.
(TALK)
11. Mrs White bought a new fur coat ! - She ________________________ the lottery (WIN).
12. He came home alone yesterday. You ________________________ him do that ; he
________________________ lost. (LET, GET)
13. He read the message but he ________________________ it (UNDERSTAND)
14. The singer has got a sore throat so she ________________________ at the concert (SING)
15. It ________________________ Jack I saw in the park yesterday, but I’m not sure about it
(BE).
16. We can’t wait any longer. Something ________________________ at once (DO).
17. Everyone shouted in fear. They ________________________ very afraid (BE).
18. A : I’m afraid Ted is watching TV again.
B : He ________________________ TV because his room is completely silent and dark. He
________________________ . (WATCH, SLEEP)
19. I can’t find my book . I ________________________ on the bus (LEAVE)
20. She ________________________ stupid. She teaches maths at the university (BE)
21. She ________________________ to school. It’s Saturday (GO).
22. You were stupid to go skiing here. You ________________________ a leg (BREAK)
23. He looked so tired when I saw him. He ________________________ so hard (WORK)
24. Tom ________________________ this because it is in French and Tom doesn’t know
French. (WRITE)

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 M006 MODAL VERBS

Fill in the blanks using MUST, MUSTN’T, DON’T HAVE TO, SHOULD, SHOULDN’T, MIGHT, CAN,
CAN’T !

1. Rose and Ted _________________ be good players. They have won hundreds of cups !
2. You _________________ pay to use the library. It’s free.
3. I’m not sure where my wife is at the moment. She _________________ be at her dance
class.
4. Jerry _________________ be working today. He never works on Sundays.
5. You _________________ be 18 to see that film.
6. You _________________ hear this story. It’s very funny.
7. Dad _________________ go and see a doctor. His cough is getting worse all the time.
8. You don’t have to shout. I _________________ hear you very well.
9. It _________________ be him. I saw him a week ago, and he didn’t look like that.
10. You look pretty tired. I think you _________________ go to bed early tonight.
11. Let me look. I _________________ be able to help you.
12. “Children, you _________________ cross the street if the lights are red !”
13. You _________________ sit so near the TV. It’s bad for your eyes.
14. I’m sorry but I _________________ give you a lift because my car is broken.
15. I _________________ stop and talk to you now. I have to get to the library.
16. You really _________________ go to the Louvre if you’re in Paris. It’s wonderful.
17. You _________________ come to the party if you don’t feel well.
18. I don’t know where Kelly is. She _________________ be at her sister’s .
19. You have passed all your tests. You _________________ be very pleased with yourself.
20. You _________________ smoke in your car, especially if there are children sitting in the
back.
21. You _________________ work this evening. I can do the tasks for you.
22. John doesn’t need a calculator. He _________________ do sums in his head.
23. Passengers _________________ open the door when the train is moving.
24. It _________________ rain today. It’s getting cloudy already.
25. I _________________ pay for the tickets because I got them from Sam for free.

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51-18[MODAL_VERBS]-m006-modal-verbs 1767
 Worksheet: Modal Verbs for Expressing Obligation

Directions: Write the missing word in each sentence. Choose from the modal verbs in the box below.

will must should can may could might

1. You _______________ borrow the books in this section of the library.

2. To apply for financial aid, you _______________ fill out an application form.

3. We _______________ need to get some milk on the way home.

4. Students _______________ stay home if they have the flu.

5. You _______________ leave your coats on the bed in the other room.

6. You _______________ clean up your room before you go outside.

7. He _______________ take a biology class in the spring.

8. I think you _______________ wear your blue shirt with those pants.

9. You _______________ fix those shoes with some shoe glue.

10. You _______________ want to try on some of the salad.

11. You _______________ check to see if that book is available on-line.

12. You _______________ make a copy of this document.

13. You _______________ be nice to your little brother.

14. You _______________ have automobile insurance to drive a car in California.

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 Worksheet: Modal Verbs for Expressing Obligation

Answer Key

Directions: Write the missing word in each sentence. Choose from the modal verbs in the box below.

will must should can may could might

1. You may borrow the books in this section of the library. (can is also acceptable. Discuss.)

2. To apply for financial aid, you must fill out an application form.

3. We might need to get some milk on the way home. (may is also acceptable. Discuss.)

4. Students should stay home if they have the flu. (must is also acceptable. Discuss.)

5. You can leave your coats on the bed in the other room.

6. You will clean up your room before you go outside. (should and must are also acceptable.
Discuss)

7. He may take a biology class in the spring. (must and will are also acceptable. Discuss.)

8. I think you should wear your blue shirt with those pants.

9. You could fix those shoes with some shoe glue.

10. You might want to try on some of the salad.

11. You could see if the book is available on-line. (might and should are also acceptable. Discuss)

12. You can make a copy of this document.

13. You will be nice to your little brother. (must and should are also acceptable. Discuss.)

14. You must have automobile insurance to drive a car in California.

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 MODALS

Modals are those helping verbs, which express the ‘mode’ or ‘manner’ of the actions
indicated by the main verbs. They express modes such as ability, possibility,
probability, permission, obligation, etc.
The most commonly used modals are shall, should, will, would, can, could, may,
might, must, ought to, used to, need and dare.

Modals are used to:

• Ask permission—may, can, could
Examples: May I come in?
Could I use your pen, please?
• Make a request—can, could
Example: Could you please give me the doctor’s telephone number?
• Express a possibility—may, might, could
Example: It might rain during the night.
• Give advice or suggestion—should
Example: You should wear a helmet while riding your motorbike.
• Express necessity or compulsion—must, have to
Examples: We must slow down while driving in front of a school.
I have to submit my project by tomorrow.
• Express prohibition
Example: You must not talk loudly in the library.
• Express a promise or intention—will, shall
Example: I will mail you my address.
• Express a wish—may
Example: May you have a long life!

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 [ A modal does not change according to the number or person of the subject.
Examples: He can learn. I can learn. You can learn.
They can learn. We can learn.
[ A modal is always used with a verb in its basic form. The modal takes the tense
while the main verb remains in its dictionary form.
Examples: I can run. I may run.
I could run. I might run.
[ Modals can be used alone in response to a question.
Examples: Can you sing? I can.
Will you sing? I will.
Will you come? I may./I will.
[ Modals, when joined with ‘not’ to form a negative, can be contracted.
Examples: I cannot run. I can’t run.
I do not run. I don’t run.
I will not run. I won’t run.

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 WORKSHEET 8

I. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences by using appropriate modals.

a) __________ you please tell me the direction to the hotel?
b) You __________ pay in cash. They do not accept credit cards.
c) I __________ come home from the office today.
d) __________ I help you?
e) You __________ clean your room.
f) We ________ keep the lights and fans switched off when they are not in use.
g) We __________ improve the existing education system.
h) __________ you have a wonderful day!
i) I __________ go to see the movie. The reviews are good.
j) I __________ definitely be at the airport to receive you.
k) She __________ take her meals regularly.
l) You __________ reach home before eleven, she said.
m) __________ we go for a walk?
n) The soldiers in the Army __________ wear a uniform.
o) There is one more point I __________ refer to.
p) You have worked hard. You __________ pass.
q) It is very cloudy. It __________ rain.
r) You __________ be properly dressed when you come to office.
s) __________ you like to come to the party tomorrow?
t) People __________ not tell lies.

II. Fill in the blanks with the correct modals given in the brackets.
God is great and we (a) __________ (should/would) be grateful to him. We (b)
__________ (might/should) do our duty and leave the reward in the hands of
God. Ultimately, God (c) __________ (might/will) help us. We (d) __________
(might/should/may) leave everything to God.

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 III. There is a missing word in each line of the following passage. Mark the
place of the missing word with a ‘/’ and write the correct word. Write the
word before and after the word in your answer sheet.
People /not ask a writer why he writes his a) People need not.
biography. They know that every life b) _____________
be interesting if properly presented. c) _____________
Moreover, we learn many things if d) _____________
we want to from a great life. It not be e) _____________
necessarily the life of a great leader that inspire us. f) _____________

IV. There is an error in each line of the passage that follows. Write the incorrect
and correct word in your answer sheet.
Plastic bags are not be used because a) are should
they should cause much pollution. b) _____________
They need never disintegrate with c) _____________
time. They should block the sewerage. d) _____________
It need to melted and reprocessed e) _____________
but that might make it even more f) _____________
harmful. Even if buried they can g) _____________
never be destroyed. They should be h) _____________
useful today but they would be i) _____________
very harmful for the coming generations. j) _____________

V. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line.
Write the incorrect word and the correct word in the answer sheet.
The label can be removed before cooking. a) _________ __________
Then the cookware could be rinsed in b) _________ __________
warm soapy water. It is advisable to keep c) _________ __________
to low heat. The cookware would never d) _________ __________
be used on high heat. Very high e) _________ __________
temperatures would cause sticking. The f) _________ __________
handles used to also loosen. However, g) _________ __________

51-25[MODAL_VERBS]-Modals 1795
 one should not worry about the h) _________ __________
maintenance as it is quite easy. The vessel i) _________ __________
might be cleaned with liquid detergent. j) _________ __________
One can not use sharp detergent for cleaning. k) _________ __________

VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals from the ones given in the box
below.
should might can could have to must

a) Ritu’s flight from Morocco took more than 11 hours. She ___________ be
exhausted after such a long flight. She ___________ prefer to stay in tonight
and get some rest.
b) If you want to get a better feeling for how Raniganj is laid out, you
___________ walk down town and explore the riverside.
c) You ___________ research the route a little more before you set sail.
d) When you have a small child in the house, you ___________ leave small
objects lying around.
e) Anvesha: ___________ you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Bunty: No, I can’t.
f) Jasprit’s engagement ring is enormous! It ___________ have cost a fortune.
g) Please make sure to feed the fish while I am gone. If they don’t get enough
food, they ___________ die.
h) I ___________ speak Assamese fluently when I was a child.
i) The teacher said we ___________ read the book if we needed extra credit.
j) The spatula ___________ be in this cupboard but it’s not here.

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 www.perfect-english-grammar.com

Modals of Ability Exercise 1

Put in ‘can’ / ‘can’t’ / ‘could’ / ‘couldn’t’. If none is possible, use ‘be able to’ in the

correct tense:

1. _________________ you swim when you were 10?

2. We _________________ get to the meeting on time yesterday because the

train was delayed by one hour.

3. He _________________ arrive at the party on time, even after missing the

train, so he was very pleased.

4. He’s amazing, he _________________ speak 5 languages including Chinese.

5. I _________________ drive a car until I was 34, then I moved to the

countryside so I had to learn.

6. I looked everywhere for my glasses but I _________________ find them

anywhere.

7. I searched for your house for ages, luckily I _________________ find it in the

end.

8. She’s 7 years old but she _________________ read yet – her parents are

getting her extra lessons.

9. I read the book three times but I _________________ understand it.

10. James _________________ speak Japanese when he lived in Japan, but he’s

forgotten most of it now.

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.

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 11. I _________________ understand the chapter we had to read for homework. It

was so difficult.

12. I _________________ lift this box – it’s too heavy! Would you help me?

13. Lucy _________________ make it to our meeting after all. She’s stuck in

traffic at the moment.

14. John _________________ play tennis really well. He’s champion of his club.

15. Unfortunately, I really _________________ sing at all! No-one in my family

is musical either.

16. When the car broke down I was really pleased because I _________________

solve the problem.

17. Julian _________________ play excellent golf when he was only ten.

18. My grandmother _________________ use a computer until last month. Since

then, she’s been taking lessons at the library.

19. I _________________ open this window. I think it’s stuck!

20. Gill _________________ play the piano. She’s never studied it.

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 Modals of Probability 2
Put in ‘can’t’ or ‘must’:

1. Why is that man looking around like that? He _____________ be lost.

2. That woman _____________ be a doctor! She looks far too young.
3. John always fails the tests, even though he’s clever. He _____________ study
enough.
4. The food is really good at that restaurant. They _____________ have a great
chef.
5. Who’s that at the door? It _____________ be Susie – she’ll still be at work
now.
6. This _____________ be John’s house. This house has a red door, and it’s
number 24, just like he said.
7. Julie _____________ have much money, or she would buy a new car. Her old
one is falling apart.
8. He _____________ be at work now, can he? It’s nearly midnight.
9. What a lot of lovely flowers you have! You _____________ really like
gardening.
10. David _____________ drink a lot of coffee. He’s finished two packets already
this week!
11. This _____________ be Jamie’s coat. He’s very tall, and this is tiny.
12. Her life _____________ be easy. She has four children and very little money.
13. Where’s Lucy? She _____________ be at the library, as she often goes there
at this time.
14. This bill _____________ be right! £50 for two cups of coffee!
15. Emma’s amazingly good at the piano. She _____________ practise a lot.
16. The car in front is driving so slowly that I think they _____________ be
looking for something.
17. You’ve already eaten enough for three people! You _____________ still be
hungry!
18. This book _____________ belong to the library. It’s certainly not mine.
19. It only takes three hours to fly from London to Sydney? That _____________
be correct!
20. There _____________ be something wrong with the fridge! It’s making a very
unusual noise.

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.

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OBPG unit 39–69 FP.qxd 15/08/05 14:21 Page 94

EE fr
FR

43
Gram

om
to g mar
Must/have to, mustn’t/don’t have to o!

1 We use must when the speaker thinks it is 4 negative

necessary or important to do an action:
You must go. (= It is important that you go.)
We make negatives, questions and short
answers like this:
You mustn’t go.
Must you go? ~ Yes, I must.
2 We use have to to talk about an action that is
necessary because of rules or laws, or because
someone obliges us to do it:
Doctors sometimes have to work on Sunday.
(It is in the rules of their work.)
We make negatives, questions and short
answers with a form of do:
Teachers don’t have to work on Sunday.
Do you have to work today? ~ No, I don’t.
3 positive
In positive sentences we can often use must
and have to with little difference in meaning,
because many things are important both
because we think so and because there are
rules:
You must work hard in order to succeed
(or … you have to work … ).
Note the difference in meaning between
mustn’t and don’t have to.
In negative sentences we often use mustn’t to
say that something is against the rules, or
against the law:
You mustn’t smoke on buses. (Smoking is
against the rules.)
In football you mustn’t touch the ball with
your hands. (Touching the ball is against
the rules.)
We use don’t have to to say that people are
not obliged to do something:
In Britain, people don’t have to carry a
passport with them. (= People are not
obliged to carry one.)
Nowadays pupils do not have to learn Latin
at school. (= They are not obliged to
learn it.)
5 questions
In questions we usually use do/does … have
to (not must) to ask if something is
obligatory or important:
Does Michael have to get up early tomorrow?
Do we have to wait here?

Practice
A The Stanton Squash Club has decided that it is important for all club members to do
these things:

wear sports shoes and clean clothes have a shower pay before you play finish on time

But these things are not allowed:

disturb other players eat or drink outside the bar take club balls home

Put have to, don’t have to or mustn’t in the gaps.

� You don’t have to wear white clothes, but you have to wear sports shoes.
� You mustn’t disturb other players, but you don’t have to be silent.
1 You finish on time, but you start on time.
2 You play with club balls, but if you do, you take
them home.
3 You eat or drink outside the bar, but you buy your
food in the bar if you don’t want to.
4 You have a shower, and you wear clean clothes.

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EE fr
FR
Gram

om
to g mar
o!
B Look at the signs and complete the sentences with don’t have to or mustn’t.

ANTIQUES � You don’t have to go in.

Please feel free to come in.
� You mustn’t eat inside.
(No eating inside.)

Entry possible
30 minutes
before the concert. 1 arrive half an hour early.
No late arrivals 2 You arrive late.
allowed.

All vehicles – slow.

Drivers of large 3 Small vehicles wait.
vehicles, wait for 4 Drivers of large vehicles cross alone.
guard before crossing.

STUDENTS!
Please be quiet – 5 Students make a noise.
4th-year exam 6 Third-year students take the exam.
in progress.

L I B R A RY
No talking. 7 You talk in the library.
Please leave books 8 You put the books back on the shelves.
on tables.

SWIMMING POOL
Free swim today. 9 Swimmers pay today.
No eating. 10 Swimmers eat or drink by the pool.
No drinking.

C Put the words in the box in the gaps. Don’t add any other words.
Does she have to has she has must mustn’t have does she

Mark: We (�) have to get up early tomorrow.

Bob: Why?
Mark: Have you forgotten? Angela (1) to move to a new flat tomorrow, and I
promised we would help her.
Bob: (2) have to move out by a particular time?
Mark: No, there’s no rush. She doesn’t (3) leave her old flat before the
afternoon, but there are lots of things that (4) to pack, so we
(5) get there fairly early.
Bob: Why (6) have to move, by the way?
Mark: She said that I (7) tell you because she wants to tell you herself, when
she sees you tomorrow.

MODAL VERBS • PAGE 95

Oxford Practice Grammar Basic PHOTOCOPIABLE © Oxford University Press 2008

51-28[MODAL_VERBS]-Must have to 1803
 MUST, MUSTN’T, HAVE TO, DON’T HAVE TO

Complete these sentences with must, mustn’t or the correct or the correct
form of have to.

1.- At our school we __________ wear a uniform.

2.- You __________ cross the roads without looking. It’s
dangerous.
3.- You _______ turn on the central heating. It’s automatic.
4.- The exams are next week. I __________ work harder.
5.- You ________ forget your umbrella. It’s going to rain.
6.- Students _________ listen to the teacher or they
won’t understand.
7.- You _____ cross the road when the red light is showing.
8.- We __________ leave now or we’ll miss the plane.
9.- Soldiers ____________ obey orders.
10.- Sorry, I ___________ go now. I don’t want to be late.
11.- Shop assistants __________ deal with the public.
12.- You __________ come with us if you don’t want to.
13.- I was late this morning because I _________ wait a long time
for the bus.
14.- In Spain, teachers __________ wear uniforms.
15.- You ___________ take food in your room.
16.- You __________ use the elevators in case of fire.
17.- I _________ wear glasses because I can’t see very well.
18.- You ___________ read this book. It’s really good.
19.- You __________ go shopping today. We don’t
need anything.
20.- You __________ a mobile phone in class.
21.- We ___________ feed the animals. It’s forbidden.
22.- We _________ book the tickets before it’s too late.
23.- In Spain, teachers _________ work on Saturdays.
24.- In Britain you __________ drive on the left.
25.- Every player in a football team __________ have a number.
26.- You ___________ forget his birthday again.
27.- Doctors sometimes ___________ work at the weekend.
28.- Nowadays in Spain pupils ____ learn Latin at school.
29.- You __________ smoke on public places.
30.- My wife __________ go to work today. It’s a
holiday.
31.- You _________ shout. I can hear you.
32.- We ___________ be quiet in the library.
33.- You __________ use a computer on the plane.
34.- She ___________ come to the dentist’s with me.
35.- At a restaurant you _________ pay the bill but you __________
eat everything.

51-29[MODAL_VERBS]-must 1804
51-2[MODAL_VERBS]-3043-1748-May-Might-Must.jpg 1806
 Name                                                              M o d a l A u x i l i a r i e s  
 
A Boxing Match
Can and could are duking it out to see who belongs in the 
most sentences. Each sentence is a round in their boxing 
match.  Read each sentence below. Circle the correct 
modal auxiliary: can or could. 

1. Can / Could you join me for dinner this evening? 

2. Phillip can / could count to 100. 

3. Students who get good grades can / could win scholarships. 

4. Can / Could you please take out the trash? 

5. Do you think the car can / could be repaired? 

6. Can / Could you save me a seat on the bus? 

7. Can / Could surgery cure her cancer? 

8. I didn’t think Tom can / could come. 

9.  Terri can / could have been a rocket scientist if she had studied harder. 

10. I really wish you can / could have been there.  

11. The package can / could be for me.  

12. Do you think I can / could speak with you for a moment? 

And the winner is.....

13. How many rounds did can win? 

14. How many rounds did could win? 

15. Which word won the match? 

CCSS.L.4.1.C |© www.EnglishWorksheetsLand.com
51-3[MODAL_VERBS]-3boxing 1811
 MODALS – Extra
1º Bachillerato

A) Complete the sentences with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO. (Attention to the tenses)
1. I'm sorry, but we ____________ go to your party next Saturday.
2. She got the job because she ____________ speak five languages.
3. You are speaking very quietly. I ____________ hear you.
4. I was tired but I ____________ leave until the meeting finished.
5. He ____________ go to the concert next Saturday. He is working.
6. She ____________ understand me in spite of the noise around.
7. I'll ____________ see you tomorrow.
8. When they came back from Paris, they ____________ speak perfect French.
9. After a few hours, I ____________ open the door and go out.
10. I've never ____________ understand maths.
11. He ____________ repair the car but it took him a long time.
12. We ____________ contact our agent in Athens a few minutes ago.
13. After the accident, he somehow ____________ walk home.

B) Write in English.
ç

1. ¿Puedo hablar con usted un momento?

2. Ayer no pude poner en marcha el coche.
3. Cuando tenía seis años, sabía patinar muy bien.
4. Consiguió escapar del incendio en el último minuto.
5. Saber hablar inglés es fundamental en estos tiempos.

C) Rewrite these sentences using MAY, MIGHT or BE ALLOWED TO. (Affirmative or negative)
1. Perhaps it will rain tomorrow (it has been raining all week)
2. Perhaps my friend will visit me tomorrow (he is in town)
3. Maybe he will find a new job (he isn't looking for it)
4. I think the car is at the car park.
5. I think the car is at the car park, but I'm not very sure.
6. Visitors cannot stay in the hospital after 8 o'clock.
7. Will you let the children go to the theatre tomorrow?
8. Perhaps he'll go to the university (he is a very bad student)
9. Perhaps he'll go to the university (he is an average student)

D) Write in English.
1. Quizá visitemos a Rosa el viernes.
2. Vendré a la fiesta, pero es posible que llegue tarde.
3. Puede que se haga rico, pero no lo creo.
4. Podré quedarme hasta tarde.

E) Complete these sentences with MUST, MUSTN'T, NEEDN'T or HAVE TO.

1. Why are you still waiting? You ____________ wait any more.
2. Some years ago in Spain, men ____________ do military service.
3. Sarah is a nurse, sometimes she ____________ work at weekends.
4. Why does she want to decide now? She ____________ answer until tomorrow.

51-4[MODAL_VERBS]-5e329e 1812
 5. I didn't have any money with me, so I ____________ borrow some.
6. I eat too much chocolate, I really ____________ stop.
7. They've been very rude, they ____________ apologise tomorrow.
8. You ____________ borrow my books without asking.
9. I'm sorry, you ____________ smoke here.
10. You ____________ take that money, it isn't yours.
11. He ____________ be inside that room, I've seen him come in!

F) Write in English.
1. Antonio no tiene que levantarse a las seis de la mañana.
2. Tengo que ir al médico esta tarde.
3. ¿Tendrás que trabajar el sábado por la tarde?
4. Patricia no tuvo que esperar mucho el autobús.
5. El dinero tiene que estar aquí.
6. No hace falta que trabajes tanto.
7. Tienes que visitar el museo de la ciudad, es muy interesante.
8. Es tarde, creo que debería irme a casa.
9. Nunca he podido entender los verbos modales en inglés.
10. Mañana no tendré que levantarme pronto.
11. No hace falta que la canguro venga mañana, yo me quedaré en casa a cuidar de los niños.

G) Fill in the gaps with a modal verb.

1. You ____________ fall asleep when you are driving.
2. You ____________ feed the cat, it isn't hungry.
3. ____________ you help me move the furniture?
4. A fish ___________ swim, but it ____________ fly.
5. The children ____________ leave school early tomorrow.
6. You ____________ wait any longer, you ____________ go now.
7. The fire spread quickly but everyone ____________ escape.
8. You ____________ drive so fast, we're not late.
9. ____________ we go climbing? - No, let's go swimming.
10. You can only smoke in the canteen, you ____________ smoke in this room.
11. You ____________ leave medicines in places where children can get hold of them.
12. My grandfather was very clever, he ____________ speak four languages.
13. I'm hungry. - Don't worry, I ____________ make a sandwich for you.
14. You ____________ shout, I can hear you.
15. She's got temperature, she ____________ go out today, she ____________ stay in bed.
16. The boy fell into the river but we ______________ rescue him.
17. Yes, you ______________ learn the verbs before the exam.
18. ____________ I borrow your bicycle tomorrow?
19. Dad, you ____________ smoke so much, it's bad for you.
20. Sir, ____________ I make a suggestion?
21. We are'n't sure about tomorrow, but we ____________ go to the beach.
22. I arrived home at eleven p.m. because I ____________ work late.
23. She hates ____________ get up early.
24. Mary keeps crying, she ____________ have a problem.
25. I think you ____________ take the train, it's faster than the bus.
26. ____________ I ask you for the next dance?
27. Don't wait up for me. I ____________ stay in town tonight.
28. The milkman ____________ put water in the milk.
29. If you go to town, you'll ____________ do some shopping.
30. You ____________ bring an umbrella, it isn't going to rain.
31. Do you think you ____________ tell your teacher what happened?

51-4[MODAL_VERBS]-5e329e 1813
 H) Translate the following sentences into English.
1. Después de intentarlo mucho, pudimos abrir la caja.
2. Nos permitieron ver a mi primo, que estaba en la cárcel.
3. Si podemos encontrar la llave, podremos abrir la puerta.
4. ¿Puedo salir antes de que toque el timbre, por favor?
5. Ann ha encontrado una asistenta. Ya no tiene que hacer el trabajo de casa.
6. No hace falta que traigais los libros mañana.
7. Puede que no venga a trabajar mañana, está muy resfriado.
8. No tengo dinero, ¿puedes prestarme algo?
9. No debes decirle esto a nadie, es un secreto.
10. Podría ser algo mayor que nosotros, pero no es posible que tenga 40 años.

I) Rewrite these sentences using the modals or semi-modals in brackets.

1. It is against the law to drive without a licence. (mustn’t)

2. Perhaps Sarah lends Simon some money. (may)
3. It is sometimes very hot here in the summer. (can)
4. Would you like me to bring you some magazines? (shall)
5. It isn't necessary to be over 18 to get married. (needn’t)
6. It is important for me to pass the exam. (must)
7. It will not be necessary for you to come tomorrow. (have to)
8. Perhaps it will rain tonight. (may)
9. It is against the law to drive without a seat belt. (mustn’t)
10. There's a small possibility that he comes on a motorbike. (might)

J) Rewrite these sentences so that they have the same meaning.

1. You may not smoke in this classroom. You …………….

2. Perhaps he comes to the party. He .................
3. You can come but it isn't necessary. You ..........
4. He wasn't able to lift the piano. He ......................
5. She isn't allowed to enter the room. She .................
6. Do you know how to drive a lorry? ......................
7. I don't believe you are a policeman. You ..................
8. He ought to study more. He ..........
9. I'm almost sure he is French. He ....................
10. I suggest you get a second opinion. You ...........................

K) Rewrite these sentences so that they have the same meaning. They can be PRESENT or PAST

1. I'm sure they went away yesterday. They ....

2. It isn't necessary for you to go. You ....
3. Perhaps Frank will win the pools. Frank ....
4. I don't believe he took the money. He ....
5. It was wrong of him to break it. He ...
6. It's forbidden to drive on the right in Great Britain. You ....
7. Is it alright if I use your phone?
8. Perhaps George won't have time. George ....
9. Perhaps he didn't have time. He ....
10. I suppose they enjoyed the concert. They ....
11. You are not obliged to come back again. You ..............
12. She mustn’t enter. She isn’t ................
13. I was wrong to say you were guilty. I .................
14. You are not allowed to smoke in this classroom. You ...........

51-4[MODAL_VERBS]-5e329e 1814
 Name                                                              M o d a l A u x i l i a r i e s  
 
may | might
May and might are modal auxiliary verbs. This means that they are used to modify the mood of a verb. May is 
used to express permission or possibility. The negative of may is may not. Might is also used to express 
possibility. The difference between them is that the possibility expressed by might is usually smaller. The 
negative of might is might not. 

EXAMPLE:    If I don’t hurry, I may miss the bus. 
    I might become a concert pianist, if I start playing the piano, 
 
Directions: Read each sentence below. Fill in the blank with may or might, as appropriate. 
 

1.  _______________ I have a second slice of cake? 

2.  Whenever you get on an airplane, there is a chance it _______________________ crash. 

3.  I studied very hard, so I ___________________ get an A on the test. 

4.  Sue didn’t study at all, but she still ___________________ get an A. 

5.  It __________________ rain today, but I doubt it. 

6.  There is a 20% chance of precipitation today, so we ________________________ get any rain. 

7.  Caroline ________________________ win the contest, but I doubt it. 

8.  There is a good chance that Kevin ___________________________ show up. 

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51-5[MODAL_VERBS]-5maymight 1817
 Modals ­ Using MUST, MUSTN'T NEEDN'T 
Choose the correct answer to fill in the blanks - MUST, MUSTN'T & NEEDN'T.

1. This is a very precious book. You ________ lose it.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

2. He will be having lessons for another two hours. We _________ visit him now.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

3. You _________ wash those carrots. They've already been washed.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

4. We _______ hurry. We've got plenty of time.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

5. We have enough milk in the fridge so we __________ buy some more.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

6. This is a very great novel. You _______ read it.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

7. Time is not on our side. We _________ hurry.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

8. 'What kind of car do you want to buy? Something flashy?' 'Well, it __________ be
flashy - that's not important.'

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

9. Tim gave me a mail to send. I ___________ remember to mail it.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

10. Mary gave me a letter to post. I __________ forget to mail it.

a) must b) mustn't c) needn't

Copyright © 2008    www.ESLTOWER.com  
 
51-6[MODAL_VERBS]-ANJ_modals_Quiz 1818
 NAME: ________________________ DATE: ________________________
GRAMMAR WORKSHEET
CAN and COULD
I I
You You
He can He can’t
She could drive. She couldn’t drive.
It It
We We
They They
Yes, No,
I I I
you you you
Can he he can. he can’t.
Could she drive? she could. she couldn’t.
it it it
we we we
they they they

 Fill in the blanks below to complete the sentences. Use the words in the above box.

1. I ___________ go to the party last night because I was sick.

2. A: ___________ Noel cook Italian food? B: Yes, he ___________.
3. My sister ___________ swim last year, but now she ___________.
4. They ___________ go shopping yesterday because the store was closed.
5. A: ___________ you read when you were four years old? B: Yes, I __________.
6. Ellie ___________ ride a bicycle. She rides it to school every day.
7. I’m very tired, so I ___________ go out to the park to play.
8. A: ___________ you see the moon last night? B: No, I ___________.
9. When ___________ I talk to you about the company report?
10. Most dinosaurs walked on land, but some ___________ fly or even swim.
11. Excuse me, I ___________ hear you right now. The music is too loud.
12. I ___________ drive a truck when I was only sixteen years old.
13. Douglas hit the tree because he ___________ stop his car.
14. How many hot dogs ___________ you eat at one time?
15. I ___________ read without my reading glasses. Where are they?

Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. © www.allthingsgrammar.com

51-7[MODAL_VERBS]-atg-worksheet-can-could 1819
 Can, Could, May and Might Exercise 

Use one of the modal verbs in brackets to fill each gap. 

1  They (can/might)........................... be away for the weekend but I'm not sure. 

2  You (may/might)........................... leave now if you wish. 
3  (Could/May)........................... you open the window a bit, please? 
4  He (can/could)........................... be French, judging by his accent. 

5  (May/Can)........................... you play the piano? 
6  Listen, please. You (may not/might not)........................... speak during this exam. 
7  They (can't/may not)........................... still be out! 

8  You (couldn't/might not)........................... smoke on the bus. 
9  With luck, tomorrow (can/could)...........................be a sunny day. 
10  You (can/might)........................... be right but I'm going back to check anyway. 

11  The exam (can/might)........................... be easy. You never know. 
12  I (can/might)........................... go to the party but I'm not sure yet. 
13  Students (may/might)........................... study in the library from five to nine in the evening. 

14  (May/Could)........................... you lend me 40 Euros til Monday?

www.autoenglish.org  Written by Bob Wilson ©Robert Clifford McNair Wilson 2007 

51-9[MODAL_VERBS]-gr.may 1821